Back to School 1 08-19-2021

1-S

Resetting Expectations

BACK - TO - SCHOOL 1 — Herald Community Newspapers — August 19, 2021

August 19, 2021

August 19, 2021 — BACK - TO - SCHOOL 1 — Herald Community Newspapers

2-S

ADVERTORIAL

Online smarts

Save easier for college with 529s When you’re watching your day-to-day budget, it’s tempting to put off saving for college.

That’s when a 529 college savings plan can be a big help.

Why a 529 instead of traditional savings?

Investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose money by investing in the Direct Plan.

A 529 account is designed to make college savings easier, and offer benefits that regular savings accounts don’t. Most states offer a 529 plan, so there are plenty to choose from.

How and where can you use the money?

You can use NY’s 529 Direct Plan savings at eligible educational institutions in or out of New York, public or private, including colleges, universities, graduate programs, and vocational and technical schools. Use savings for tuition, books, supplies, certain room and board expenses, certain computers and software, and more.

How can friends and family contribute to 529 savings?

In New York, 529 account owners can share a Ugift® code with people who want to contribute. Friends and family can also open their own NY 529 Direct Plan account, with the child as beneficiary.

What if money’s tight?

Start small. Many 529 plans, including New York’s, have no minimum contributions, and the best time to begin is now. More questions? Get answers at nysaves.org

®

For more information about New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan, obtain a Disclosure Booklet and Tuition Savings Agreement at nysaves.org or by calling 877-NYSAVES (877-697-2837). This document includes investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information. You should read and consider them carefully before investing.

Before you invest, consider whether your or the beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in that state’s 529 plan. Other state benefits may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors.

The Comptroller of the State of New York and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation are the Program Administrators and are responsible for implementing and administering the Direct Plan.

Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC, serves as Program Manager and, in connection with its affiliates, provides recordkeeping and administrative support services and is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Direct Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as the Investment Manager. Vanguard Marketing Corporation provides marketing and distribution services to the Direct Plan.

No guarantee: None of the State of New York, its agencies, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), The Vanguard Group, Inc., Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC, nor any of their applicable affiliates insures accounts or guarantees the principal deposited therein or any investment returns on any account or investment portfolio.

New York’s 529 College Savings Program currently includes two separate 529 plans. The Direct Plan is sold directly by the Program. You may also participate in the Advisor-Guided Plan, which is sold exclusively through financial advisors and has different investment options and higher fees and expenses as well as financial advisor compensation. ©2021 New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan 1140592

With more and more of a student’s life happening online these days, staying safe on the Internet is critically important The back-to-school commercials are running devices, turn on automatic updates for all apps on TV and radio. Teachers are finalizing their les- and programs on their laptops, tablets, and son plans. And kids are picking out their clothes smartphones. for school.

Children use plenty of apps and programs But while back-to-school time is always busy, that can be inviting targets for cybercriminals if there’s one step that parents often forget: edu- they aren’t updated with the latest protection cating their school-age children on how to help against malware and viruses. The malware they use to infect computers can allow hackers to stay safe online while back in school.

Students face plenty of online threats during take over your children’s devices, spy on their the school year, everything from cyberbullying online activity, and steal any information conand sexting to phishing attempts and the theft tained on them. That is why it’s so important to keep those apps and programs updated and of their laptops and smartphones.

Fortunately, you can decrease the odds that protected. your children fall victim to online threats this Educate your kids about phishing: And school year by watching for the most com- adults aren’t the only ones who fall for these mon online dangers and taking the steps to scams — so do teens and tweens. And children protect your children against them. Here’s a look are more likely to fall for phishing scams at what your child might face this school year, when they’re increasing their time online, which and the strategies you can use to keep your chil- for many might be during the school year.

In a typical phishing scam, con artists will dren safe.

Update your security software: As always, send an email claiming to be from a bank, credit the first step in keeping children’s laptops and card provider, or service provider such as Netflix, other devices safe from malware is to make sure Amazon, or Hulu. The email, which looks legitithese devices are protected by security software. mate, might claim that these financial instituThis is the best tool to prevent your children tions or banks have detected unusual activity on from accidentally downloading malware or spy- the accounts of victims. Or they might state that victims need to update their accounts to avoid ware on their computers.

If your school district provides your children having them closed. In most cases, the emails will with laptops or tablets, these devices will most include a link that victims must click. likely have some antivirus protection Once victims click the links, they are taken to a website that also looks legitimate. This site already installed. But stil check to make sure.

Be especially vigilant, though, if your children might ask consumers to input their bank account are using their own or your devices when com- information, credit card numbers, or Social pleting homework assignments after school. Security numbers. If victims provide this informaMake sure you’ve installed this important soft- tion, the scammers behind the emails can use it to access their online bank accounts or credit ware on the devices in your home.

Turn on automatic security updates: cards.

Cybercriminals are constantly adjusting their Kids are more likely to fall for phishing scams malware and spyware attacks. Fortunately, so are that appear to come from video game providthe makers of security software. That’s why ers or retailers. They might quickly provide their it’s important to turn on the automatic update own or their parents’ credit card information, for feature on the antivirus software installed on any example, to what they think is a video game company threatening to shut down their gamof the devices your children use .

Doing this will make sure that this software ing accounts. is updated with the latest protection. Updates Inform your children on how phishing scams often specifically protect devices against the work. And remind them to never respond to any email asking for personal or financial informamost recently discovered viruses.

Turn on automatic updates for all apps and tion. Instead, instruct children to show any such emails to you. programs on your children’s devices Hackers often directly target the apps and programs on laptops and other devices to infect Above photo: With connectivity fast becoming the way these machines with viruses. To make sure they of life today, it’s more important than ever to underdon’t hit the ones installed on your children’s stand and manage security and privacy.

3-S

BACK - TO - SCHOOL 1 — Herald Community Newspapers — August 19, 2021

Back in session

T

Re-evaluating the school shopping list

he 2021-22 school year is both a new beginning and a return to a semi-normal classroom, despite the raging Delta variant. For some students, it’s the first time back to in-person school since the start of the pandemic. That means a return to familiar surroundings, but in a new post-pandemic world.

The pandemic changed how we shop, how our children attend school, and yes, how we shop for school. But a new survey from NerdWallet indicates — in at least a few ways — a return to “normalcy” among school-aged children and their parents.

About three fourths (76 percent) of parents with children in K-12 or college who plan to do back-to-school shopping this year say they’ll do at least some of that shopping in-store, according to the online survey among 619 parents with children in K-12/college, conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet recently.

That’s compared to just 56 percent last year.

Another notable change: 56 percent of these back-toschool shopping parents say they’ll spend the most on clothing, up from 31 percent in 2020 when remote learning meant wardrobes were likely low on the list of priorities. And 21 percent say they’ll spend the most on products to keep their child healthy, such as masks and hand sanitizer, compared with 33 percent last year.

About half (49 percent) of parents who plan to shop for back-to-school say that even in light of the pandemic, they anticipate spending about the same this year as they normally would. But there are always opportunities to save money.

“Finding the biggest savings often comes down to timing; snagging essential items as soon as the sales start can help you get what you need while sticking to your budget, even if you don’t have your back-to-school list yet,” says Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet’s personal finance expert. “On the other hand, waiting to buy items like long pants and other winter clothing can also help you save.”

The data indicates shoppers are gearing up for backto-school shopping season in full force. To learn what families are buying to prepare for the upcoming academic year, RetailMeNot surveyed more than 1,000 consumers to discover which trends are defining this unprecedented back-to-school season.

Among the findings: √ Parents slightly favor in-store back-to-school shopping over online. √ Kids’ happiness and academic success outweigh sticking to a budget as a priority for parents. √ Most parents say this school year is a bigger deal than ones past.

After a year of new shopping habits brought about by the pandemic, the online coupon service was curious about how many consumers would shop in-store vs. online. It found that shoppers slightly favor shopping in stores for their back-to-school needs — more than half of consumers (52 percent) say they’ll be doing their back-toschool shopping in-store this year. Of course online shopping remains popular: 48 percent say they’ll stick to online shopping.

The 2021-22 school year is also motivating higher spending: 61 percent of shoppers say they’ll spend more on school supplies and back-to-school purchases this year (an average of $1,333 in total). The biggest category was electronics. And 66 percent of parents agreed that choosing the right tech for their child is just as important as choosing other school supplies like backpacks and binders. The next biggest budget line items were school supplies, clothing and shoes (likely purchases that fell by the wayside during a year of remote schooling).

Based on the data, it seems parents are favoring onestop shops that cover all their back-to-school bases (everything from pencils, to jeans, to laptops) than retailers that specialize in one category.

Here are ways to cut costs as your family prepares for the school year.

Check prices before and after shopping. Price matching involves comparing identical items at multiple stores and asking a retailer to match a lower price. The trick may not make sense for a package of pencils, but for clothing, electronics and other higher-dollar items, a successful price match could save you tens of dollars, if not more.

Check a retailer’s website for its price-matching policy details. Many will also refund the price difference if you spot a cheaper price within a certain time frame after the purchase.

“You can also use tools like the Camelizer and Honey browser extensions to help you find the lowest prices when you’re shopping online,” says Palmer. “For in-person shopping, the ShopSavvy app lets you scan barcodes to find the lowest price, which can be especially helpful on electronics and other big-ticket items.”

Take advantage of credit card rewards. More than half (55 percent) of parents who will back-to-school shop this year plan to use a credit card on some of those purchases, according to Nerd Wallet’s survey. Putting your expenses on a cash-back credit card could put your money to work for you. You may even reap enough to cover next year’s back-to-school expenses entirely. Make sure you’re able to pay off the balance each cycle, as interest can quickly negate any benefits.

Be cautious with buy now, pay later services. Buy now, pay later, or BNPL, options are tempting when you have to make purchases but money is short. This school year, 15 percent of back-to-school shopping parents told Nerdwallet they plan to pay for their purchases using BNPL options, but these payment options are not all created equal. Interest rates and fees vary considerably, so reading the fine print is key.

“Buy now, pay later lets you split your purchase into future installment payments, which can make it easier to afford essential purchases, but you want to be sure you can afford those payments,” explains Palmer. “Instead of taking on debt for back-to-school shopping, consider talking with the teacher about which purchases are truly needed and which can wait.”

Above photo: Families are gearing up for the school year with a renewed enthusiasm for the traditional rite of the season.

What’s in the cart Families are ready to purchase but shopping behaviors are no longer the same Back-to-school shopping sales have long been indicators that the summer vacation season is coming to a close. Those lists have looked similar for decades, but shopping for school supplies in the pandemic era may prove to be a unique experience.

The lingering effects of the pandemic combined with supply chain disruptions, along with higher prices, could affect which school supplies families buy in the weeks to come.

Here’s a look at some of the latest trends.

A shift from physical stores: According to data from IBM’s U.S. Retail Index, the pandemic has accelerated a shift away from physical stores to digital shopping by about five years. It’s likely that school shoppers will turn to the internet for their supplies, which means local brick and mortar shops should increase their web presence and digital shopping capabilities to reach online shoppers. This includes omnichannel fulfillment, such as buy online and pickup in store (BOPIS) options.

Reassessment of what’s essential: The pandemic may have changed which items consumers consider essential. For example, clothing became less significant as a greater number of students were enrolled in virtual learning. Back-to-school shoppers may pur-

chase less clothing and focus more on tech items, among others.

Traditional supplies become less necessary: What In 2020, Deloitte forecasted that a shift in preferences and intentions would result in parents buying fewer traditional supplies, such as notebooks and office supplies, as they chose to invest in digital resources to supplement children’s education.

That shift likely will continue into this school year.

Support for local retailers: Community spirit grew in the early days of the pandemic and continues now. Many people prefer to shop in locally owned stores. Eighty percent of customers surveyed feel more or as connected to their communities, according to the business industry consultant company Accenture.

Customers are trying new brands and products: Shoppers are trying new products out of curiosity as well as necessity. Back-to-school shopping may include novel brands and other items that may not have been readily purchased in years past.

Above photo: Back-to-school shopping may continue to look a bit different than in previous years, spawning trends that may ultimately become the new normal.

Navigating middle school Help your tween survive and thrive Ah, middle school. That time of raging hormones and existential crises. For most parents (and kids), middle school has gotten a bad rap for being, to put it mildly, a difficult time in everyone’s life. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Transitioning from elementary to middle school is a big change. There is so much that is new — building, people, classes, and expectations — that it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Middle school has a reputation for being awful, but that doesn’t have to be true. Try these strategies to help you and your tween get started on the right foot and hopefully avoid a few surprises.

Get Involved A not-so-secret key to success in any school is for the parents to be involved. It’s especially important in middle school. This means attending events like back-to-school night and parentteacher conferences every time they’re offered.

Get to know your child’s teachers and administrators and their expectations for life in middle school. Establish clear channels of communication to help give your student the support they need to be successful.

Find Your Way Around A New Building Like starting at any new school, it’s helpful to visit the building ahead of time if you can. Walk around with your child so that they can get comfortable in a new place.

While you’re on campus, get to know the physical layout of the school. Know where important locations are like the front office, the

school nurse’s office, cafeteria, gym, athletic fields, auditorium and any special use spaces, like the media room or music room.

Also get to know the school’s online presence. Get familiar with the website and bookmark things like the school calendar, special events pages, testing dates, grades and homework assignments. Follow the school on social media, including any clubs or athletics your child may be participating in.

Homework Expectations Middle school homework may be a little more intense than your child was used to in elementary school. Prepare your student to devote more after-school time to completing assignments.

Make sure they have a quiet, distraction-free place (yep, no TV) place to do homework and study, and check on them from time to time to see how they’re doing while they’re working.

Have regular talks with your student about the work they’re doing in school and what assignments are coming up to avoid last-minute surprises.

Understand The Schedule Suddenly having to get yourself from class to class and remember what comes next can be stressful. What adult doesn’t remember having a nightmare about ending up in the wrong class at some point?

Print your child’s schedule with the name of the class, times, and classroom number. This printable makes it easy to keep track, especially

RYU’S MARTIAL ARTS

if the schedule isn’t the same every day. Put one copy in the front of a binder or planner and keep another one at home in the command center.

Foster Organizational Skills Organization skills have to be learned and practiced. Help your child set up a system to keep them on track in middle school. Have them organize class information and assignments in binders, notebooks or folders and teach them how to use a calendar to track how they’re spending their time. Include non-academic commitments, too.

Lists can be an effective way to make sure everything gets done. In addition to keeping a calendar, have your child make lists of things they need to do and prioritize them.

Remember They’re Still Young It’s easy to get carried away with all the new responsibility and expectations. If your child is starting the sixth grade, they’re only 11 or 12.

Remember that just minutes ago they were elementary kids. While they may be treated like teens and mini-adults at school, as parents we can’t expect them to become that overnight.

Keep bugging your child about how their day went. Keep giving lots of hugs and tucking them in at night {if they want you to}. Middle school is a weird place between childhood and adulthood, so do what you can to find balance.

You know your kids best.

Above photo: Middle school can be a confusing time, for parents as well as for their kids. Your child is becoming more independent yet still needs your support as much as ever.

It’s Back to school tIme Get a healthy start to a New school year

GRAND RE-OPENING

Naomi Chaim Watman M.D., F.A.A.P

303 East Park Ave. Suite A Long Beach

897-4600

1140691

Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine

Office Hours By Appointment

FOCUS DISCIPLINE CONFIDENCE & FUN

OPEN HOUSE

Unlock your child’s true potential with the Kumon Math and Reading Program.

August 28th 2pm - 4pm Call For Info

Special

$ s k 4 wee 99

Enroll now and receive FREE registration!*

INCLUDES UNIFORM

The Kumon Math and Reading Center of Merrick

NLY EW STUDENTS O

N

Ages 3+

NEW LOCATION

309 Sunrise Highway | Lynbrook

516.596.2444

www.ryusmartialarts.com

71 Merrick Ave, Merrick, NY 11566 kumon.com/merrick 516-206-4200

Mention this ad to receive $25 off your first month’s tuition!* *Valid at this Center only. Offer expires 10/31/21. See Center for more details. One discount per child. © 2021 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

1137437

Back To School

1140472

August 19, 2021 — BACK - TO - SCHOOL 1 — Herald Community Newspapers

4-S

5-S

• NYS Licensed programs for Children ages 6 weeks through 12 years

As schools get set to fully reopen, families have plenty of readjusting to do, especially for those who weren’t in a classroom throughout the pandemic or navigated through a hybrid of in-person and remote learning.

For most parents, family life has been bittersweet as we made our way through the pandemic. While many report that they really enjoyed the extra time with their children, parents share feelings of exhaustion and are ready to have some time away from the kids. You might be feeling the same. It’s exciting to not have to juggle work and all of the child care challenges parents have faced over the course of the pandemic.

However, the thought of returning to school can be exhausting. While we want our children to participate as much as possible, there are a lot of challenges that come with scheduling, extracurricular activities and, now, the impact of the Delta variant. This scenario can produce a lot of post-Covid anxiety for families.

Even for those students who genuinely love school and are eager to see their friends, some initial anxiety and nervousness may impact their return to school in this new post-pandemic normal. Your child, even if he/she attended school in-person last year may need some time adjusting to being around other students and their teachers again in a fully occupied classrorom, as well as being in a structured environment, experts say.

Keep parental anxiety in check. Often our anxiety is trying to help us solve problems we cannot control. It can be really challenging to try, but mindfulness skills help us accept what we can control. Here are some steps to figure out what you can control: Start planning now for back-to-school — if you haven’t already. The more time you give yourself to figure things out, the less likely you are to feel stressed those days before school starts. If you haven’t been informed already, reach out to your school’s administration to determine what their policies will be in the fall.

Think through your new schedule as a family. Which extracurricular activities do you want to (safely) resume? Also, make a plan for your updated child care needs and communicate them with all caregivers in advance.

Rebuild your support network. You do not have to be alone in determining the best decisions for your child. There are people who want to help you navigate back-to-school challenges.

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns regarding their health. They often will have the most updated information and help you make decisions with your child’s specific needs in mind.

Keep the lines of communication open with

your children and other adults. Talk to the kids about their feelings regarding Covid-19 precautions at school. And reach out to other parents you trust about what they have been doing to manage their family’s health decisions.

Understand your child may be anxious: The most important thing you can do for your child right now is preparing them for what school is going to be like. Children do best when they know what to expect, so it’s important to take the time to answer their questions and talk to them about their back-to-school experience.

First week prep: Of course, be sure all medical records are updated and they understand and are prepared for all school safety protocols. Gather school supplies and send them off with some special supplies that will excite them.

Academic/emotional issues: If you or your child have any concerns about their ability to complete schoolwork when they return, it can be so challenging to face that fear. To make it easier, identify the support you have around you.

Connect with other parents who may be feeling the same way.

Learn what your school’s process is for helping your child with academic needs. Do they have homework help? Tutoring? After-school activities? Many schools have extra resources in place.

Help your child name all of their feelings related to returning to school. Are they happy to see their friends? Relieved to not use Zoom anymore? Angry about the things they missed?

Whatever they are feeling, acknowledge the emotion, and let them tell you more about this our feeling. ilies at er famemotions r to th te o n h e Be prepared for your child’s it C w g arentin P W E fluctuate over the final Nweeks of summer and into the beginning of the school year. The first week of school is always exhausting, but we’re all going to need more grace and rest this year!

If your child is struggling to adjust to school or showing signs of excessive worry (acting out, withdrawing, irritability), it may be time to conas yo sider professional help. first ste ur child takes ps to the at our M wards indep ir Or at the very least, contact the school counselor enden ommy & M or social worker. e Progr ce am If you or your child are feeling anxious about school, find resources in your community to help.

You do not have to be alone in navigating your family’s return to school and all of the new challenges it will also bring.

t c e n n o C Explore Learn

ur nce of o experie r where e th h throug dhood Cente ills hil p the sk Early C n develo er learning e r d il h c h yet difAbove photo: Everyone’s situations are similar d for hig ey neeyour ferent all at the same time.thEquip kids with situa-

tional knowledge they need to be healthy — both physically and emotionally — and remain flexible.

• A loving and caring Environment With NYS Qualified & CPR Certified Teachers • Before/After School, Holiday & Vacation Care for 5-12 Year olds

Check out our website KIDSCAMPUSNY.COM

• Kids Campus follows all NYS and CDC Covid hygiene and disinfection guidelines.

6:30 am - 6:30 pm

• DSS and ACS Accepted

Part Time, Full Time and Extended Hours Available

• Hablamos Español

CALL ToDAY To Tour!

ENROLL NOW AND GET FREE REGISTRATION

NOW OpeN!

950 rOckaWay ave, valley stream

516-825-2300

290 BrOadWay, lyNBrOOk

516-593-5900

1140245

Is your family equipped to handle the challenges of a post-pandemic school year?

SuperviSed by a LicenSed Teacher

$100 VALUE NEW ENROLLEES

90 heNry street, iNWOOd

WITH THIS COUPON ONLY, NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. EXP 8/28/21

516-837-9001 kidscampuslynbrook@gmail.com

CONNECT… EXPLORE… LEARN… CELEBRATE… at the

Award Winning HERJC Early Childhood Center

CONNECT...

EXPLORE...

LEARN ... CELEBRATE Hewlett East at the

Rockaway Jewish t c e n Centre Nursery Winning Con EXPLORE... LEARN ...Award CONNECT...

CELEBRATE...

School ur ies at o er famil enter th o h it C w g arentin NEW P

Cheryl Karp Early HERJC Early Childhood Director Award Winning Childhood Center 516-599-1169 Ex

at the

plHERJC ore Early

as yo first ste ur child takes ps to the at our M wards indep ir en ommy & Me P dence rogram

Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre Nursery Scho Cheryl Karp, Early Childhood Director, 516.599.1169

Extended Day Options Available

Congregation Etz Chaim • 295 Main St., East Rockaway, NY 11518 Andrew Warmflash, Rabbi • David Sislen, Hazzan • 516.599.2634 www.herjc.org • www.facebook.com/herjc.community

Childhood Center

Congregation Etz Chaim

295 Main Street Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre Nursery School Rockaway, NY 11518 Cheryl Karp, Early Childhood Director,East 516.599.1169

Learn

Celebra

te

Congregation Etz Chaim • 295 Main St., East Rockaway, NY 11518 Andrew Warmflash, • David Sislen, Hazzan • 516.599.2634 r Schlesinger, uRabbi the neMichel xt step nce of o s in Jew experie r whe• rewww.facebook.com/herjc.community is h thewww.herjc.org

throug dhood Cente ills hil p the sk Early C n develo er learning childre igh ed for h they ne

CCeelleebbra

Connreactte te eenx ext thth en t stepssteps in Jewin Jew ish lea ish le rning aarnin enjoeynth jo w n g and it haothereybth ene S efibtseonfefits d Synaygno fa g m o g g il ies at ou of e bm NEWuPeamu e m e m r rentinegrshipbs einrsh Bduinildin Buil g BlogckBloCenterouip r in our s Procgkra sm Progr

Ex

am

plo

firs as yo t at steps ur ch ou r M towa ild ta k

r

Rabbi Bonnie Zakarin, Hazzan h learn enjoy th ing e

and be Synago gue me nefits of mbersh Buildin ip g Blo516.599.2634 cks Pro in our gram

We are pro PJ Library www.pjL

www.herjc.org www.facebook.com/herjc.community

C ONNEWe are proud to be a PJ Community C TLibrary . . . EXPLORE www.pjLibrary.org

Awa

. . . LEARN at th ... C e ELEBRATE

rd W

HER

inn

1140686

Heading back to class

• Educational Programs Designed to Meet Each Child’s Needs.

BACK - TO - SCHOOL 1 — Herald Community Newspapers — August 19, 2021

We offer

NOW acceptiNg schOOl age childreN full time fOr remOte learNiNg.

Banishing backaches Back- and posture-saving tips for using backpacks

By Simone Slykhous Hauling full backpacks to and from school each day can be a real pain in the neck — and back and shoulders. Yet backpacks are a school staple — and a multi-billion dollar industry — for a reason. Toting books and notepads and folders and other supplies is necessary to excel in school.

So how can parents and students balance the need for backpacks with the potential for injury?

Step one is to stop over-worrying about long-term damage. “A lot of parents come in to my office thinking that their child might have scoliosis because of a heavy backpack,” says Dr. Lori Karol, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Though back, shoulder and neck pain are all possible results from using a too-heavy or poorly worn backpack, scoliosis and other back deformities aren’t a danger.

Learning how backpacks affect our bodies helps explain why parents worry. According to registered nurse Anja Hammega, “when a heavy weight, such as a backpack filled with books, is incorrectly placed on the shoulders, the weight’s force can pull a child backward. To compensate for this unnatural posture, he or she may bend forward at the hips or arch the back.” Similarly, kids who sling their backpacks only on one shoulder might lean to one side to balance the weight, compressing the spine or putting unnatural stress on the shoulders. The effect of this unbalanced stance can be mistaken for scoliosis.

Beyond back pain, kids are also at risk of fall-

ing from the weight of their packs. Keep your kid’s load light by making sure his or her backpack weighs between 10 and 15 percent of his or her body weight. For example, if your son weighs 80 pounds, his backpack should only be 8 to 12 pounds. Younger children and girls are at even greater risk of toppling over because their packs can be heavier in proportion to their body weight. When carrying too-heavy backpacks, students can accidentally hit other kids with their sizable bags, causing injury or loss of balance in tight spaces such as hallways or bus aisles, too.

Start the year off right by purchasing a backpack that fits your child well and by teaching him or her the right way to wear it. According to Consumer Reports’ Backpack Buying Guide, buyers should avoid backpacks with careless stitching, fraying fabric edges and exposed zippers without fabric flaps. These are signs of poor manufacturing, and no kid wants to be dealing with a stuck zipper or a broken bag in the middle of the school hallway.

Instead, find a lightweight backpack with two padded shoulder straps. If the straps are too narrow, they can cut into your child’s shoulders, potentially interfering with circulation and causing pain or numbness. A padded back can provide comfort and protect your kid from sharp edges of textbooks, rulers, notebooks and more.

The backpack should rest evenly in the middle of the back, close to the body. And those wide shoulder straps should allow your child to freely move his or her arms to easily take the backpack off.

Pockets on backpacks are both fun and funcBackpacks are here to stay, so make sure your tional. Having multiple compartments, including kid knows how to stay organized and safe. specific pockets for electronics, will better distribute the weight of the school supplies, and they Above photo: Thin straps and low-hanging backpacks can help your son or daughter stay organized. can be causes of shoulder and back pain.

y r e C v h i E l d e l I s c S r i p e C c r i al u O n I

• Music! Creativity! Torah! Fun! • Building Love of Jewish Life & Learning • For all 3rd graders who missed last year (no extra charge) Special opportunity - two years in one!

• Registration is open for our 2nd graders ( twice a week) and our K-1 ( once a week) • Half Price for our 2nd graders

Merrick Jewish Centre Hebrew School 225 Fox Boulevard, Merrick NY, 11566

516-378-8384

email: principal@merrickjc.org

1139164

August 19, 2021 — BACK - TO - SCHOOL 1 — Herald Community Newspapers

6-S

7-S

Temple Beth Am

The Reform Jewish Congregation of Merrick and Bellmore The Reform Jewish Congregation of Merrick and Bellmore

BACK - TO - SCHOOL 1 — Herald Community Newspapers — August 19, 2021

Temple Beth Am

JoinNow! Us! Join New Fall2021 2019 New Fall Join Now! Voluntary Pledge

Give from the Heart School Registration School Registration New Fall 2019 Pledge Model Now Open!

Model!

Now Open!

Voluntary Pledge School Registration Full Temple membership benefits Call now to enroll for Fall classes! with every meaningful pledge!

Model!

We are a vibrant Reform Temple on Our Award-Winning Hebrew Now Open!

Full Temple membership beneits the South Shore of Long Island School features: Live pledge!

Streaming All Services with every meaningful Call now to enroll for Fall classes! offering: Full Temple membership beneits with every meaningful pledge!

Call now to enroll for Fall classes!

•We Family Shabbat Services Reform Temple on are a vibrant •the HighSouth Holiday Services Shore of Long Island •offering: Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Adult Education • Family Shabbat Services • Voluntary Membership Pledge in Lieu of Dues • High Holiday Services • Discounted Rates for Social Hall Rental • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Warm, Friendly, Supportive Clergy • Adult Education • Social and Religious Programs for Singles, Seniors • Voluntary Pledge Lieu of Dues and FamiliesMembership with pre-school andinschool-age children • Discounted Rates for Social Hall Rental

• Warm, Friendly, Supportive Clergy • Social and Religious Programs for Singles, Seniors and Families with pre-school and school-age children

• Certiied Hebrew and Judaic Teachers •Our SmartAward-Winning Boards, Wi-Fi enabled classrooms Hebrew •School Active youth group features: • Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons • Certiied Hebrew and Judaic Teachers • Music, dance and art • Smart Boards, Wi-Fi enabled classrooms Classes for children entering Fall 2019: • Active youth group • Torah for Tots (ages 2 ½ - 4) • Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons • Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 • Music, andprovides art "Our dance curriculum a balance of study time and

hands-on toentering allow our children to learn “the 3 Classes for children Fall 2019: Classes foractivities children entering Fall 2021: H's” – Hebrew, Holidays and Heritage." - Rabbi Michael

• Torah for Tots (agesBaum, 2 ½ -Rabbi/Director 4) of Education • Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Interfaith Families are"OurWelcome! curriculum provides a balance of study time and

hands-on activities to allow our children to learn “the 3

– Hebrew, Holidays and Heritage." - Rabbi Michael FOR MORE INFO: (516) H's” 378-3477 Baum, Rabbi/Director of Education

MEMBERSHIP@TEMPLEBETHAMMERRICK.ORG

Interfaith Families are Welcome!

FOR MORE INFO: (516) 378-3477 MEMBERSHIP@TEMPLEBETHAMMERRICK.ORG

Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore 2377 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566 Tel: 516-378-3477  www.templebethammerrick.org

1138249

Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore 2377 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566 Tel: 516-378-3477  www.templebethammerrick.org

Celebrating Our 67th Year!

RACQUET CLUB Especially for Young People...

Family Owned & Operated Since 1954

... and Tennis Instruction for Everyone

Directed By Ben Mark

Adult Learn & Play Program

School & Camp East Meadow

Licensed by Dept. of Family & Children Services and Board of Health.

DIRECTED BY LOUIS VALLEJO

Group Lessons With Practice Time

Tennis for Children & Adults

Private, Semi-private, and Group lessons available Call us to schedule an evaluation

Fall Session: September 9 January 8

& Pickleball ll a tb Baske

1414 Jerusalem Ave., N. Merrick NY 11566

516-489-9005

www.carefreetennis.com e-mail: carefreetennis@gmail.com

6 Weeks • Toddler • 3 Year Olds & Pre-K 2, 3 or 5 Days/Extended Hours 7am - 6pm Qualified Staff 9:00am - 12:00pm | 11:00am - 4:00pm | 9:00am - 2:00pm | 9:00am - 4:00pm

Age appropriate program, warm and friendly atmosphere where children feel loved and secure so they can grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.

516-781-3900

1139387

• Tennis for Tots (3-5 years old), 45 minute classes • 10 & Under Academy, Red Ball (6-8 years old), Orange Ball (8-10 years old), 1 hour classes • 11 & Up, recommended play: 1 to 3 times per week.

• Junior practice times, Sundays • Ladder match program, Saturdays • Tennis specific fitness evenings, 1.5 hours • Elite Tennis (must qualify for program) • Tournament training/Junior Team Tennis • Match Play • After school classes, 1.5 hours

Now Hiring for September All positions.

CALL FOR A! TOUR

1139585

Junior Development Programs for All Ages

8-S

Lawrence Woodmere Academy August 19, 2021 — BACK - TO - SCHOOL 1 — Herald Community Newspapers

Small Class Sizes, Big Education

In person Monday-Friday or Remote Option Available College Preparatory School

3K - 12th Grade

register online: www.lawrencewoodmere.org for our upcoming

Virtual Open Houses

Contact Admissions for an in-person tour (516) 394-1827 or admissions@lawrencewoodmere.org Small-Group Differentiated Instruction • Student-Centered Curriculum • A+STEM Education • AP Courses Dual Enrollment College Credit • Global Scholars Program • 1:1 College Guidance 100% Graduation Rate & College Matriculation • Renowned Performing Arts Program Award Winning Athletics Program • Transportation Available www.lawrencewoodmere.org Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Early Childhood Education 3K & PreK Early Childhood Education for yo your 3 y year old & 4 ye year old

LWA’s 3K and PreK programs are expertly designed to provide a safe, nurturing and engaging experience during which students flourish emotionally, socially, artistically, intellectually and physically. Our integrated hands-on methodologies develop our students’ respective hearts, minds, and bodies, preparing them for a healthy, happy and successful future.

Character and Wellness Development Foundational Math & Literacy Introduction to World Language Experimental Science Innovative STEM

L WA

Multi-Dimensional Visual Arts Music: Vocal Instruction Full Day of Learning through Play Family Friendly Extended Day Option Available

NS-2166968801

1140752

The building blocks for your child’s education Invest In Your Child’s Wellbeing, Education, and Future Today Limited Enrollment Capacity Contact Admissions to schedule a tour (516) 374-9000 • admissions@lawrencewoodmere.org • www.lawrencewoodmere.org 336 Woodmere Blvd. • Woodmere, NY 11598

STEPS ALIVE INC

— A STUDIO FOR DANCE —

“Where dance remains an art not a competition…”

REGISTRATION BEGINS SEPT 8 - SEPT 15.

9:30 am - 4:30 pm For info please call

Pre-Ballet Ballet-Tap Jazz-Tap Ballet Pointe

(516) 483 -3567

Jazz Tap Hip Hop Acro

All Ages All levels Special care with children

446 Dogwood Avenue Franklin Square, NY 11010 www.stepsalivedance.com

1140260

Lyrical